Journal of Medicinal Plants
Year:2017 | Volume:16 | Issue:SUPPLEMENT 10|Papers Count:22

Background: Phenolic compounds are one of the most important classes of plant secondary metabolites that produced in response to environmental conditions. The concentrations and compounds of media have played a significant role in production of these compounds. Production of phenolic compounds in the medium reduces the chances of success in tissue culture process or complicates the process.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of various antioxidants and media on change in biosynthesis of phenolic compounds in callus culture of Mentha arvensis L.Methods: leaves were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D, NAA, BAP and KIN for callus induction. After selection of the best medium for callus induction, calli were subculture on MS and B5 media in combination with different concentration of Activated charcoal, Citric acid, Ascorbic acid, Turmeric and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for study of phenolic compounds. The amounts of phenolic compounds in callus and media were analyzed by spectrophotometer.Results: The maximum callus fresh weight (3.56 gr) and dry weight (1.88 gr) were obtained in 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D. Activitated charcoal, citric acid, Ascorbic acid, PVP, have not significant effects on production of phenolic compounds whereas, both concentrations of Turmeric have significant effect. The highest level of phenol (127 ml/mg) in media and the lowest level (72.9 ml/mg) of phenol in callus was observed in media with 1000 mg/l of Turmeric.Conclusion: Turmeric will be assisting a significant effect on release and absorption of phenolic compounds in tissue culture medium. This study could be contributed as an inexpensive and practical for callus induction and also could applied for production of phenolic compounds in vitro plant secondary metabolites production.

Background: Brassino-steroids as hormonal plants are of the most important components that have shown the biological effects. These compounds may be act as inducer of growth in the plant and their concentrations is increased under some stress conditions. Such clinical studies show that these hormones have also anabolic activities similar to the human anabolic hormones hence, may be administrated as supplements in athletes. Their increasing consumption as supplement suggests introducing a precise and accurate analytical method for determination of brassino-steroids in pharmaceutical dosage forms and also in some biological fluids.Objective: In the current study an HPLC method for detect and determination of brassino-steroids in capsules was developed and optimized in aspects of analytical conditions.Methods: In order to analysis of the sample a reversed phase HPLC system including a C18 column, and a mobile phase including water: Acetonitrile in an acidic media were used. Detection was carried out at 210 nm by an UV detector.Results: In this study, we attempted to optimize some analytical aspects e.g: solvent, stationary phase and other assay parameters to obtain best condition to assay. Also the validation parameters such as LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision and linearity of the method were also studied and were satisfactory.Conclusion: Obtained data indicated that HPLC is a suitable analytical method for assay of brassino-steroids in pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Background: Thyme is a valuable medicinal plants that evaluation of its quality and quantity yield is necessary.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of salinity on morphological, physiological and phytochemical traits of thyme.Methods: The study was carried out as a randomized complete block design at the Institute of Medicinal Plants with 4 levels of salinity treatments including (control, 50, 100 and 150 mM) and three replications. In this study some morphophysiologial and phytochemical traits of thyme were measured.Results: Results showed the significant effect of salinity on plant height, number of lateral shoots, vegetative dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, Length and Width of a Leaf. The results of the means comparison showed that by increasing levels of salinity, sodium content, electrolyte leakage and proline content increased conversely, the amount of potassium, relative water content, chlorophyll and carotenoid were decreased. The content of thymol and carvacrol increased by higher levels of salinity (100 mM sodium chloride) compared with control.Conclusion: Although the majority of yield related traits negatively affected by salinity but the highest amount of thymol and carvacrol has been achieved in 100 mM NaCl.

Background: Erection dysfunction, weakness, the inability to achieve an erection or hold the erection long enough to reach sexual relationship is said. Prevalence studies indicate that 20 to 22 percent of men around the world suffer from erectile dysfunction. Several methods have been proposed to improve this process but those have been unsuccessful mainly due to multiple complications.Objective: The aim of this study was assessing the effects of administration of Boswellia serrata and Lavandula angustifolia extracts in improving erection dysfunction following opioid dependence.Methods: Both plants were extracted and formulized for administration. Choosing patients was based on medical standards, questionnaire of International Index of Erection Function and standard criteria test. The proper cases were categorized randomly in one of three groups under study regarding DSM5 criteria. The investigation continued for two month for all groups: oral extract administered group, placebo treatment group and no premature treatment as a control group. The scores gained form fast ejaculating questionnaire were assessed in early stages of treatment (pretest), one month after treatment (posttests), and two month after treatment (fallow).Results: The results showed with regarding inter group causes; the F value calculated for assessing drug effect in recovery of premature ejaculation in various stages would be meaningful in the level of 0.05 (F=3.601, P<0.05).Conclusion: It seems that, administration of Boswellia serrata and Lavandula angustifolia extracts compounds can be effective in recovery of erection function in opioid addicted patients.

Background: In the world of today, where the diseases are on the rampage, doctors and patients both are trying to diagnose and treat them, however, the difficulty is ignoring some causes in diagnosis and even treatments. Paclitaxel is a treatment chemical drug that can cause kidney toxicity, including degenerative changes in the renal parenchyma.Objectives: The aim of this study was investigated the effects of green tea as a strong antioxidant on kidney tissue and blood factors of kidney functions in mice treated with paclitaxel.Methods: Doing this experimental 35mice divided into7groups randomly: 1control group was not achieved any materials,2control group achieved Saline for one week,1Shame group were injected with Paclitaxel IP of 0.3 mg/kg for three days; 2&3Shamegroupinjected with IP of green tea with doses of 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg respectively for twenty-eight days.1&2 Experimental group went through treatment with green tea extract and paclitaxel, they first achievedsaiddoses of green tea for twenty-eight daysand then paclitaxel with the dosage of 0.3 mg/kg from the the fourteenth day for three days. Seven days after the last injection, the kidneywas dissected and after fixation in Formaline buffer solve, have been painted with haematoxylin and eozine, and was studied. Also the level of blood urea and creatininehas been investigated. Data was analyzed by ANOVA test.Results: Blood urea and creatinine levels in 1Shame group were significantly increased compared with the control group the after using green tea extract in 1&2 Experimental group showed a significant decrease(P<0.05). In 1Shame group, dilatation of the renal collecting tubular with minor tissue necrosis was observedthe trend in 1 & 2 Experimental group to be reversible so that the control group had no significant difference.Conclusion: On the Base of these results, consuming green tea was decreased of the level of blood factors of kidney and the kidney tissue changes brought about by paclitaxel will be improved.

Background: The enzyme activity of peroxidise and polyphenoloxidase establish enzymatic browning and leading to undesirable changes in fruits and vegetables.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant essential oils on reducing the activity of enzymes involved in enzymatic browning of broccoli.Methods: Broccoli inflorescences were treated with distilled water (control), ascorbic acid (17 ppm) and concentration of 500, 750, 1000, and 2000 ppm of Pennyroyal, black Cumin and Cumin essential oils in both in vitro and in vivo, then peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity were evaluated.Results: Cumin essential oil at 1000 ppm and all treated black Cumin essential oil under in vitro test as well as 500 ppm Pennyroyal essential oil, 500 and 750 ppm black Cumin essential oil, all treated cumin essential oil and ascorbic acid under in vivo test, significantly reduced peroxidase activity in Broccoli compared to control. Also, In vitro applied of essential oils including 500 ppm Pennyroyal, 500 ppm black Cumin, 2000 ppm Cumin and ascorbic acid treatment were dramatically decreased polyphenol oxidase activity in compare to control. The highest inhibition of polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase activities respectively were achieved using concentrations of 500 ppm and 750 ppm black Cumin essential oil in in vivo condition.Conclusion: The essential oils used in these experiments depending on the concentration used reduced polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities in broccoli.

Background: Leishmaniasis, has created enormous global health problem. Side effects, drug resistance and the lack of effective vaccines and to make the new compounds effective due to plant.Objective: The traditional medical plants such as black alfalfa can be a valuable source of new pharmaceutical agents against leishmaniasis.Methods: Alcoholic extracts were prepared by maceration method. L. major promastigotes (Leishmania major) in Schneider and then were cultured in RPMI- 1640. Then, using MTT (Methyl Thiazole Tetrazolium), the IC50 (Inhibitory Concentrations 50%) for extract and Glucantime was determined. MTT assay did for each sample, 3 times.Results: IC50 for alcoholic extract of alfalfa black against L. major promastigotes in vitro after 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively 165, 98 and 45 micrograms per ml and for Glucantime also equal to 27, 12 and 8 mg l respectively. IC50 between Extract and Glucantime after 24, 48 and 72 hours there was a significant difference (P <0.05). Morphological changes after challenge with meglumine and alcoholic extracts including cell shrinkage, round, dense cytoplasm and the cell was smaller. Presence of alkaloids and flavonoids in alcoholic extracts have been proved.Conclusion: As regards, plant extract had anti- leishmanial effects in vitro, further works are required to appraise the exact effect on Leishmania agent in animal models.

Background: Anxiety and depression as the most common psychological disorders are associated with gynecologic problems. Women, especially in this age usually increasingly tend to be treated with some herbal compounds and nutritional supplements.Objective: The present study aims to determine the effect of Valerian on anxiety and depressive symptoms in menopausal women referred to Shahrekord medical centers.Methods: This double-blind clinical trial study was carried out on women referred to Shahrekord medical center. In present study, 48 eligible women aged 45 to 62 years have been divided randomly into two groups (29 in Valerian and 19 in placebo). The information was completed via demographic questionnaire, Hamilton anxiety rating scale, and Beck depression inventory before and 2 months after treatment. The data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney Tests and Wilcoxon tests using SPSS 11.5 software.Results: According to the findings of the present study, both groups were match regarding to depression and anxiety levels at the first stages of the study (P> 0.05). After the intervention, anxiety level and depressive symptoms were decreased significantly in valerian group (P=0.001).Conclusion: The results have shown that Valerian is effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression in menopausal women and could be considered as an alternative treatment.

Background: Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra (belong to Leguminosae family) is one of the most popular medicinal plants in the world and it is widely used in many fields such as medical, pharmaceutical, confectionery and health industries. Different parts of licorice (shoots, leaves and roots) were had various components such as Glycyrrhzin that was used for some proposes.Objective: The current study was done with the aim of gene transfer via Agrobacterium rhizogenes by ex vitro method for hairy root production in licorice.Methods: The experiment was laid out as a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments in three replications. At first, root of young plantlets was eliminated and excited plantlets were putted in the glass wool contain suspension of bacteria. After 10 to 14 days of inoculation with Agrobacterium rhizogenes, the roots were appeared. The percentage of root induction by four strains of Agrobacterium (ATCC 15834, GMI 9534, A4 and A13) with check (without bacteria) was investigated.Results: The results of PCR analysis with specific primers for roots of composite plants (putative transgenic) was shown that three strains of bacteria (A4, A13 and GMI 9534) and strain ATCC 15834, were produced 100% and 66.66% transgenic roots respectively.Conclusion: Thus, production of composite licorice plants was remarked due to it has low cost, fast and simple.

Background: Nowadays, liver disorders are one of the most serious and threatening problems of the health. Persian Golpar (Heracleum (H.) persicum) as an endemic medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties was used (noted) in the study for reducing the live injuries.Objective: This experiment -for the first time- was conducted to consider the effects of the oils obtained from fruits of Persian Golpar on the liver toxicity induced by the injection of tetrachloride carbon (CCl4) in the Wistar rats.Methods: In this study, 100 male Wistar rats were divided into 20 groups (n=5). Negative control group (NC) received DMSO and olive oil for two weeks and the positive control group (C) received DMSO as i.p injection in 14 days following CCl4 (2 ml/kg b.w) at day 15th. The standard group (BHT), The treatment groups received H. persicum essential oils at both doses 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w as i.p injection following CCl4 (2 ml/kg b.w) at day 15th. Then, the levels of the glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity of plasma (FRAP), proxidasion lipids (MDA) and glutathione s-transferase (GST) and also liver enzymes for instance alanin teransferase (ALT) and aspartate teransferase (AST) were estimated at 4, 8, 16 and 24 h after CCL4 injection.Results: The injection of the essential oils (at the both doses) obtained from Persian Golpar could surprisingly modulate the changes of the antioxidant/oxidative parameters as well as liver enzymes induced by CCL4 administration.Conclusion: These results indicated the protective effect of Iranian Golpar essential oils on the liver. These effects are probably due to its antioxidant capacity.

Background: Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) has been traditionally used as a medicinal plant in Iran for treatment of diseases such as gastric ulcer and relieve intestinal spasms.Objective: In the present study, the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of licorice rhizome on mechanical activity of isolated colon of male rats has been studied.Methods: In this experimental study, the colon tissue of 10 adult male rats were dissected and separated into two groups: experimental and control. Each group including ten strips of tissue. The segments were connected to a force transducer longitudinally and inserted to an organ bathe contained oxygenated Tyrode solution (37oC, pH=7.4). Their mechanical activity were recorded by power lab AD instrument in basal condition, and after administration of acetylcholine (4×10-6M) and Atropine (10-6M) in the presence and absence of licorice rhizome extract (0.036 mg/ml). Also, the mechanical activity of control group segments were recorded at the same condition with extract solvent (ethanol %70).Results: A significant decrease in mechanical activity was found after administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of licorice compared with the control group. Also, a significant decrease of mechanical activity was seen in the presence of extract and acetylcholine compared to the control group. While the mechanical activity of tissue didn’t significant changed in the presence of Atropine and extract between experimental and control groups.Conclusion: We can conclude that hydro-alcoholic extract of licorice has modifying effect on colon motility, and this activity maybe occurred independent of the cholinergic system.

Background: Ziziphora tenuior have high levels of phenolic and flavonoid antioxidant compounds able be for prevention with oxidative stress.Objective: In accordance with the limited studies about the effect drinking Ziziphora tenuior on exercise- induced oxidative stress response, this study was conducted to identify the effect of drinking Ziziphora tenuior and one bout aerobic exercise on serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondiadehyde (MDA) in inactive women.Methods: Twenty inactive girls (aged 22±2 years, body fat 17±2. %, and VO2max 35±2 ml/kg/min) in a randomized and double-blind design were allocated in two equal groups: were used Drinking Ziziphora tenuior the infusion for 48 hours before exercise, every 24 hours, 3 meals morning, noon and night (2gr per serving in 200 ml of boiling water for each person) in Ziziphora tenuior. were consumed The control group coincides with the group Ziziphora tenuior-like beverages. After a 48-hour all subjects were participated protocol with Bruce on the treadmill. Blood samples obtained before the drinking Ziziphora tenuior along with before and after the exercise protocol. The normal data were expressed as mean (±SD) and analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA, Bonferroni and independent t test at a≤0.05.Results: results show that the short drinking Ziziphora tenuior has not significant effect on oxidative stress index (MDA) (P>0.05). Moreover, increased the serum MDA was significantly (P<0.05) decreased one bout aerobic exercise, the serum TAC was significantly (P<0.05). However, the increased serum MDA and reduced TAC in the placebo group was significantly more than in supplement group (P<0.05).Conclusion: The present results show that the increased resting total antioxidative capacity following drinking Ziziphora tenuiorcan, decrease the undesirable alterations of serum MDA in male inactive after one one bout aerobic exercise.

Background: Using Agrobacterium rhizogenes due to create hairy roots, is a useful method to increase secondary metabolites many plants.Objective: Purpose of this research is to transgenic hairy roots culture, in order to produce secondary metabolites in Datura innoxia.Methods: Explants leaf and cotyledon of Datura innoxia were inoculated for two months with A7, A4 and 15834 strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes; Furthermore injection and Immersion methods were used in this scrutiny. The presence of T-DNA in transgenic hairy roots were confirmed by PCR. Transgenic hairy roots in liquid medium of 1/2MS were cultured. In order to induct elicitors, methyl jasmonate in tow densities of 50µM and 100µM, and salicylic acid in three densities of 1mM, 0.1mM and 0.01 mM were used randomly three times. Atropine and scopolamine content of transgenic hairy roots were examined by HPLC.Results: The highest and lowest rate of transgenic hairy roots production was respectively related to the strains of A4 and 15834. Best explants for inoculation, leaf with A4 strain and cotyledon with A7 strain, were reported. With highest production rate of hairy roots, Simple deposit using a syringes method was recognized as the best method of inoculation. The effect of salicylic acid at a density of 0.1 mM increases the content of atropine concentrations. Also the results showed that usage of Methyl jasmonate at higher doses (100 mM) reduces the content of atropine and scopolamine.Conclusion: A. rhizogenes as an appropriate method to produce hairy roots and elicitors the best treatment for increase alkaloids.

Background: Depression is a threatening disease. Due to adverse effects of chemical antidepressant drugs, researcher’s attention has been shifted toward natural drug.Objective: In this work, the antidepressant effect of Kombucha tea (KT) evaluated against reserpine induced depression in mice.Methods: In this experimental study, 42 male mice were randomly divided into 6 groups of 7 mice. Vehicle mice received normal saline (1 mg/kg, i.p.), negative and positive control groups received reserpine (5mg/kg, i.p.) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) respectively and treatment groups received Kombucha tea at doses of 250, 500, 1000 mg/kg, 18 h after administration of reserpine. Mice were then tested with forced swimming and rotarod tests. At the end of behavioral tests, blood sample were collected and used to assess blood antioxidant capacity.Results: There was significant difference in the duration of immobility time between vehicle and reserpine treated groups (P<0.001). Administration of Kombucha tea at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg into depressed mice significantly reduced the duration of immobility time. KT administration significantly improved blood antioxidant capacity of mice blood.Conclusion: These results provide support for the potential antidepressant effects of Kombucha tea against.

Background: Today the use of medicinal plants to improve the immune system function and against pathogenic bacteria has been considered.Objective: In this study, the effect of methanol extract of the aerial parts of Agrimonia eupatoria on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and 12 pathogenic bacteria were investigated.Methods: The methanol extract of branches, stems, seeds and leaves of Agrimonia eupatoria were prepared and the effect of different concentrations of 50, 100, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 mg/ml of the extract on proliferation of PBMC was evaluated by MTT assay. Also the effect of concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 10 mg/ml of the extract was tested on 12 pathogenic bacteria by disc method and on nutrient agar media.Results: The methanol extract of the branch, stem and seed of Agrimonia eupatoria showed the most stimulatory effects on immune system and induced the proliferation of PBMCs up to 8 times. Methanol extract of Agrimonia eupatoria showed antibacterial effects against gram-positive bacteria and the most antibacterial effect was on Bacillus subtilis at a concentration of 4 mg/ml and Staphylococcus aureus at concentration of 7 mg/ml.Conclusion: The Agrimonia eupatoria methanol extract showed stimulatory effects on the immune system and also antibacterial properties against certain gram-positive pathogenic bacteria. These finding indicate that Agrimonia eupatoria can be considered to use for immunodeficiency patients and moreover to control some bacterial infections.

Background: Help to return people who have social disorders, including alcohol consumption, are the important topics of research in the field of biology, which in this area regarding the efficiency of the pharmacological interventions and physical activity.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two weeks of swimming training or curcumin supplementation on spatial memory improved after the destruction caused by the binge ethanol drinking in male rats.Methods: In an experimental trial, 24 Wistar rats (male, 200-250 g) were selected and every eight hours one time received ethanol for 4 days. After six days of abstain, for 2-weeks interventions of the swimming and curcumin supplementation was applied. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: 1) control; 2) swim; and 3) curcumin. After 2-weeks by using the Morris Water Maze, learning and spatial memory were assessed.Results: After 2-weeks of swimming training and curcumin supplementation, time and distance to reach the platue found a significant reduction, which represents the process of  learning (P<0.05). The amount of this reduction was larger in curcumin group than the other groups. No significant difference was observed between the effects of interventions in spatial memory (P>0.05).Conclusion: Despite the slight improvement in the training and curcumin groups compared to control group, two weeks of swimming or curcumin supplementation can not improve spatial memory after binge ethanol drinking. According to the results of this study concludes that learning performance during the period of recovery after ethanol consumption under the influence of two weeks aerobic exercise and curcumin supplementation, but spatial memory dose not affected by these two interventions.

Background: Nowadays, science tries to find a way to control the pathogens in public place and health centers. The use of medicinal smokes is common in Iranian traditional medicine to improve air quality and purify air.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Herbal fume, contain frankincense, clove, sandalwood and camel grass against a variety of microorganisms.Methods: Herbal smoke include, sandalwood (Santalum album), camel grass (Cymbopogon schoenanthus), condor (Boswellia sacra) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum), against microorganisms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans, was investigated.Results: Sandalwood and camel grass fumes could inhibit C. albicans completely both in 7 minutes and inhibit B. subtilis in turn in 9 minute and 11 minute. Also they could inhibit E. coli and S. aureus in turn in 10 and 9 minute. Frankincense and clove fume had no significant effects. Mixing two plants, sandalwood and camel grass in the ratio 1:1, will enhanced the antimicrobial effects of these smoke and the inhibition time come shorter.Conclusion: According to this research, Sandalwood and camel grass smoke have significant effect. Microbes and fungi showed great sensitivity against herbal fume and the smoke expressed the possibility of industrial usage. Further research is required to identify the chemical composition of these plant smokes.